Generator?

[Alexx17]

I have a 32 led biocube with skimmer, heater, return pump, powerhead, future EcoTech powerhead also, inkbird, leds in biocube hood. I was wandering what size and if any preference on a generator to have on hand? Or if needed could get?

 

[Brew12]

I have a 32 led biocube with skimmer, heater, return pump, powerhead, future EcoTech powerhead also, inkbird, leds in biocube hood. I was wandering what size and if any preference on a generator to have on hand? Or if needed could get?

I doubt you can find a generator too small to work on your system. Even a small 1000 watt generator can carry over 7 amps continuous which should be less than your system uses.

 

[Radman73]

+1. Check decibel ratings if noise matters to you. Also, a gen with an inverter built in can provide cleaner power for sensitive electronics. That being said, I ran my system off a gen with no inverter for 5 days thanks to Irma without any issue.

 

[mfinn]

Instead of getting the smallest generator you can to handle on the tank, why not get something a little bigger?
It's nice to be able to keep your tank going, but it's nicer to have a light and maybe a little entertainment.

Harbor Freight has a fairly new line of generators that I've heard has some pretty good reviews.
I picked up the 8750watt version, but they have a little 2000 watt inverter/generator that looks pretty sweet compared to the Honda generators.

 

[Alexx17]

Thanks guys

 

[ca1ore]

If you have even the potential for protracted power outages, a generator is required equipment. I bought a 7,500/8.750 unit that does the trick.

 

[Fudsey]

I used to run a 6000 watt unit for my whole house. Problem was, I had to start it manually, connect it and make sure the main breaker was off (so not to back feed the line).

Now I have a whole house automatic generator and have not had to use it in almost 2 years...lol

 

[rkpetersen]

Now I have a whole house automatic generator and have not had to use it in almost 2 years...lol

There are men in my yard installing one as I type this.

Our power has always been unreliable, going out with any windstorm or sometimes for no apparent reason at all. Years ago, I got a portable generator of around 5kW size and had a transfer box installed next to the main panel, and this works well enough, powering about half of the house's circuits. Of course as you point out, this has to be turned on manually, and there's always the risk that the gasoline-powered generator might not start if it sits unused for a while with a tank full of stale gas. The Generac 22kW model we're installing will power everything, and turn on automatically seconds after a power outage occurs, even if we're not home. Between that and a UPS, my aquarium (and future aquaria) will never know anything was ever wrong.

 

[mfinn]

Now I have a whole house automatic generator and have not had to use it in almost 2 years...lol

That's usually the way it goes. Buy a tool and not have to use it for a long while. But it's worse to need one and not have it.

I've used my generator twice this year. Had a spring storm and lost power for 2 days, and then again last month.

 

[Fudsey]

I still need to get a battery backup to keep my pump from stopping the 10 seconds it takes to turn on. I have a basement sump and although it won't overflow, I would rather it not stop at all as well as my lights not loose power. Everything else can wait the 10 seconds.

 

[cgdcinc]

As a native Floridian my advice would be go with a Honda. A bit bigger than what you think you will need. You can’t put a price on your sanity when you have to hear a loud generator running for days. The fuel efficiency is awesome. If you apply a small amount of maintenance every year it will run problem free when you need it. I have used most generators out there and the balance between noise and dependability is why I love the Honda’s. Clean power as well to protect your equipment. They are very quiet. Just my opinion. [emoji106]

 

[rkpetersen]

I doubt you can find a generator too small to work on your system. Even a small 1000 watt generator can carry over 7 amps continuous which should be less than your system uses.

Decades ago, I was a student with my first reef aquarium, living in an apartment. I lived in a place that never had power failures. And then one night, it did - a big transformer nearby blew. I freaked out a bit. Immediately drove to the nearest hardware store, bought the smallest cheapest generator they had (about a 1' cube, maybe less), put it out on the balcony just outside my living room, and hooked up the pumps and heater. Worked great, kept everything alive until the power returned 12 hours later. I seem to remember that hooking up my metal halide ballast didn't work for some reason so no lights.

Sometimes I'm convinced that fragile infrastructure follows me around from state to state. :/